Possibly "Tough" Poll - DVC for 3 Generations

[jaysue]

Need your vote and comments please if possible

Have 3 generations of family interested in DVC - ages range from 3 1/2yr old DS to 71yr old DM - also 68yr old DF, 36yr old DH (me), 36yr old DW, plus #2 child coming in June/03 (yippee!)

My parents have somewhat limited mobility - they can walk but not very long distances - stairs are still doable for them

Occassionally expect to have 41 yr old DSis and her kids (my nephew/niece) - 11 and 7 respectively along

Now putting aside whether resale or Disney buy in order to get a clear view of the resort choices please vote for what you think is the best choice given the above and share your views/comments if possible

Getting the DVC itch!



Thanks
Jaysue

 

[Disney Doll]

I would say BCV, because of its location and the pool. The pool area will appeal to the kids, the location will appeal to the adults, you are close to 2 of the major parks, the Boardwalk area(which is an easier nightlife than PI), many restaurants etc. It is more expensive than OKW, but I htink in this case, with the disparity in ages, you have to go location.

 

[JimC]

I voted for BCV, but primarily because of your parents' mobility. It has Stormalong Bay (maybe the best pool at WDW). BCV does not have 3 bedroom units; BWV does. It is primarily only available from Disney direct.

BWV and BCV are both good locations for proximity to two parks, restaurants, miniature golf, and other activities. Getting to Epcot and MGM is very easy with boats or short walk (Epcot) and long walk along canal (MGM). Much less use of the bus system. You can also walk thorugh Epcot and take the monorail to MK.

If size of rooms, best value (purchase and maintenance fees) and more laid back atmosphere were key considerations -- go with OKW. OKW has 3 bedroom units and has the largest units of all sizes within DVC. It is very spread out. I believe there is an internal bus, but more walking is likely. Only two or three buildings have elevators. Someone on the boards will know the building numbers and locations. Request first floor near hospitality house or bus stop and let them know you have guests with mobility limitations.

I'm not sure that I made your decision any easier. Good luck.

 

[jdkdorn]

I voted BWV because you could get the grand villas at the 11 month window. With the size of the family that may be an option you want to have available. I like BCV, my home, for the pool and the easy of movement. Both are walking distance to two parks and have easy boat transportation. I think the thing that would sway it if I had your family would be the grand villas

 

[Caskbill]

I'm thinking you'll find the 'best fit' DVC resort will vary trip by trip depending on who's actually going.

I voted for OKW for a few reasons. It appears there will be more adults than children. (Infants could care less where they're at, so I would consider children would be age 5 or so and older) (Although the sandy pool at SAB is great for infants so a plus in that column for BCV)

Your parents may not be wanting to do the parks a lot so proximity may not be that important. Even from BWV and BCV walking to the parks would be a chore, and in fact it might be a chore to just get to the boat docks.

At OKW if (big if here) you intend to use your own transportation more (perhaps an SUV or Van easily accessible to your parents) then a ground floor unit at OKW would minimize walking. Also OKW units are larger, and they do have a GV available. You may really prefer driving yourselves to the parks rather than using WDW busses. (Although the boats at BWV and BCV would be a lot better than busses if you were staying at BCV or BWV)

Also, if your folks are anything like my MIL, they might just enjoy the laid-back feeling at OKW a little more. To me personally OKW feels more like a condominium while the other resorts feel more like 'apartments', with their inside hallways, etc. (No slam intended, just a personal preference).

When there's fewer adults going and you want to get more park time and kid time, then BCV would be a good choice.

Also, BCV (or BWV) would be good if you want to go to the parks and the older folks want to do other stuff around the resorts. This then makes meeting up mid-day a lot easier, for example you want to meet for lunch on the BW or BC/YC areas.

This was a tough vote because most likely the 'right' resort won't be the same one each trip. It depends on who's going, what everyone wants to do, etc. For example after several trips, doing the parks may seem less important and you'll all want to do other things, either the resorts themselves, or other Orlando attractions, shopping, etc.

Good Luck


Taking the boat to Downtown Disney is very enjoyable and probably something your parents would really like.

 

[CarolA]

I voted OKW just because the units are SO much bigger if you have a lot of people in them.

 

[KNWVIKING]

With your parents limited mobility, I think I would want to avoid OKW because only a couple builds have elevators.

 

[speedway66]

I voted BWV, but BCV is just as good, maybe better for your needs. I know the OKW contingent is very loyal, but when mobility is an issue, it's good to be near at least one of the parks you'll be visiting. The boats serving EPCOT and MGM from that area can be a lifesaver after a long day. The area also offers the best selection of eating/drinking establishments (I'm not saying these are the best Disney has to offer, but simply that there are many choices close together). Also, never underestimate the value of a slooooow walk around the lake at night, with frequent stops at the various benches. The kids can run around, the adults can gab, and the seniors can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and the joy of having the family together.

And, of course, if the final stop on that walk is Beaches and Cream, well..........



Jim

 

[CK1]

OKW worked very well for us!

A few yrs ago we had 9 adults (ranging from ages 32 to 72) and 9 young'uns (ages 1 to 16) between us all for xmas at OKW. THe space, the queen beds, the tranquility of OKW satisfied all. Proximity to the car was a huge help, not just for the elder set, but also for the younger to transport the wild and willing to all sorts of pool hopping expeditions, Typhoon Lagoon, etc. We found bus service at OKW to be wonderful, and my 72 yr old mother just loved sitting on the porch sipping coffee whilst the troops came and went! We used a 2 br and 2 studios to house the gang, and the 2 br served as "home base" for meals, get-togethers, etc. Even with 18 people stuffed in it, OKW still felt great!

Cindy

 

[CarolMN]

I own at BWV and while I absolutely love the location, IMHO, OKW is a much better location for those with mobility/walking issues.

The boat docks are quite a ways from the rooms at both BCV and BWV, even if you manage to get a room that is close to the elevators. Boats, driving or walking are the only alternatives at those resorts to get to EPCOT or MGM. IMHO, if you choose to drive from those resorts, the locations lose some of the appeal - parking is not right outside your door and even if you valet, it could be quite a walk to get to the resort's lobby.

Yes, the BCV & BWV resorts are close (within walking distance) to EPCOT and MGM for those of us who do not have mobility issues. However, IMHO, those who cannot walk longer the distances would probably not consider them so close. Take a look at the GPS distances that Caskbill provides:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=160187

Note that it's over a third of a mile from the BWV lobby to EPCOT. That doesn't include the distance from your room to the lobby. I'd guess it's at least 1/4 mile from the BCV rooms to the IG. If you stay at OKW and drive to EPCOT or MGM (and take the trams if needed), you'll most likely do a lot less walking than if you walk or boat to those parks from one of the EPCOT DVC resorts.

Again, I think your parents will do less walking if you stay at OKW, park right outside your door and drive to EPCOT, AK & MGM. (To me, there is no location advantage between OKW, BCV or BWV to the MK - the best thing to do is to take the bus to that park. Of course, that assumes you have ruled out the VWL. You can take a boat to the MK from there).

You can request a ground floor unit or an elevator building at OKW for medical reasons and be reasonably certain to get it. Even if your parents are still OK with stairs, it's be nice to be able to avoid them. Also, the one, two and three bedroom units are larger at OKW. As others have posted, if you plan to stay more than a few days or cook/eat more than snacks in the unit, you will truly appreciate that extra space.

Just wanted to post because even though BWV is my favorite resort and my home, I don't agree that the location of BCV/BWV is a plus for those who have trouble walking more than a couple of city blocks at a time. JMHO. YMMV.

 

[DisneyKidds]

A BWV vote here. I figured either BWV or BCV. Ultimately, I went BWV due to it's proximity to the widest variety of things and it's general layout.

Location - At either BCV or BWV you will likely have to walk similar hallways. At BWV, those hallways get you to the BW. At BCV, once you walk the hallway you still have to walk a little to get to most of the restaurants or the promenade.

Available food/goods - While the YC/BC has great restaurants, the dining options at the BW are a little more convenient to get to. Once you get onto the BW it is a relatively short walk in either direction to get to any of the restaurants. BW also has a better 'general store' where you can get a greater variety of items. There is also a bakery, as well as other food stuffs.

Entertainment - More entertainment venue on the BW than at any other DVC resort.

Proximity to parks - boats to MGM and Epcot. The point about OKW and having the car right nearby is a good one if you plan to drive to the parks. If not, OKW is a bit more 'isolated' than BWV (or BCV).

Pool - BCV is better, but BWV is nice. BWV also has the community center for the kids, something BCV doesn't offer.

BWV gives a good mix. Great location, good dining options, everything you might need is close, fun for the kids, things for the older members of the party to do - overall, I think, the best package for your circumstances.

 

[jaysue]

Many thanks to all for the feedback and viewpoints - pick up tons of knowledge in a short timeframe.

It is going to be a hard choice since roughly 45% say OKW and 47% say BCV/BWV (I group these two together as in my mind they are broadly similiar for the purposes of this 3 generation puzzle I am working through)

Many thanks to all for their kind assistance

Thanks
Jason

 

[dianeschlicht]

I voted for OKW because I think it fits your group best. Besides the larger units, it is much easier to get to transportation and there are no long halls to walk etc. The added space and more real beds helps too. I also think the older folks in your group will like the atmosphere at OKW over the Epcot area. I also think it is an easier place to keep an eye on little ones if you go to the quiet pools etc.

 

[Granny]

I've got a different vote....

...I think you should buy where YOU want to stay at the most for the next 39 years. Whether that's BWV or OKW or VWL...I'd advise at going with the theming and ambience you, your wife and children will most enjoy.

You can always book at the other resorts at the 7 month window...which will probably only cause a problem at the very busiest times of the year, and many have reported great success with waitlisting.

For instance, if you really think BCV is your favorite because of location, SAB, etc then I'd buy there. You can still book at, say, OKW when your parents come along.

I just envision that possibly in 7 or 8 years, your parents won't be up for making WDW trips and then you're owning a DVC home resort for 32 more years that's really not your favorite spot.


Just food for thought.